Pope says people with depression need special support

Published: 2003-11-14

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Depression is a spiritual trial, and those suffering from the illness should receive special support from their priests and parish communities, Pope John Paul II said. "The illness frequently is accompanied by an existential and spiritual crisis that causes one to no longer see the value of living," the pope told a Vatican health care conference focused on depression. Pope John Paul, addressing conference participants Nov. 14, thanked medical and mental health professionals who dedicate their lives to helping those suffering from depression, and he offered special prayers for the patients' family members, who suffer along with them. The pope said growing rates of depression around the world are a cause for alarm and indicate that "human, psychological and spiritual fragility" are increased by societal factors, including consumerism and the idea that every desire could and should be satisfied immediately.

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